"China, now the world's second largest importer, will become the biggest in a few years. It not only provides the world with high-quality products at low costs, but also buys high-end goods supplied by global brands."

Chinese Minister of Commerce Chen Deming, at the China Development Forum in Beijing on March 18

"China hopes the International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran will further enhance dialogue and cooperation on the current basis and resolve the pending issues as soon as possible."

Wang Min, China's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at a Security Council meeting on the Iran nuclear program in New York City on March 21, calling on all parties concerned to take action as soon as possible

"Terrorism will not succeed in breaking our national community."

French President Nicolas Sarkozy, condemning the serial killings in Toulouse after receiving French Jewish and Muslim representatives in the Elysee Palace on March 21.

"Financial market conditions are more comfortable and recent economic indicators are beginning to look a little more upbeat. Europe has taken an important step forward in solving its crisis with the latest efforts on Greece. On the back of these collective efforts, the world economy has stepped back from the brink and we have cause to be more optimistic."

Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the IMF, in a speech in Beijing on March 18